GEC # 97

GEC specializes in highly collectable and premium quality usable pocket knives. The company's USA manufactured knives have quickly proven to be a big hit with both collectors and users who seek quality American craftsmanship.
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

Those stag slabs look top notch. I wish GEC would try to fit these by grinding off from the underside so as to have bolster to bolster exterior stag surface. There must be a reason why they grind off the top to get a fit to the bolsters. Likely it is easier but the old Sheffield dudes managed to haft with all exterior bark showing so i'm sure GEC could master it too.
kj
Modern Slip Joints
Posts: 559
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2018 4:15 am

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Modern Slip Joints »

kootenay joe wrote:Those stag slabs look top notch. I wish GEC would try to fit these by grinding off from the underside so as to have bolster to bolster exterior stag surface. There must be a reason why they grind off the top to get a fit to the bolsters. Likely it is easier but the old Sheffield dudes managed to haft with all exterior bark showing so i'm sure GEC could master it too.
kj
Selecting the best looking stag is about like picking the prettiest girl was in junior high school. Fortunately we did not all think the same one was the best looking. My preference is smooth stag polished flush with the bolsters and a little bulge that keeps all of the bark high of the bolsters. The way Americans haft stag bolster to bolster bark necessitates exposed bolster edges that usually are radiused at the ends of grooves and other low spots. It is common on German knives to see almost bolster to bolster bark with an abrupt step down to the bolster. While to me that looks like the hafters did not blend the stag into the bolster to save time, that is another way to get nearly full bark coverage. While they were less common some of the 82 Dixie Stockmans had stag the way you like it. They did not sell fast so if you hunt through the pictures of individual stag 97s at stores there's a good chance you'll find a 97 that is to your taste.
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

MSJ i think when the Stag 97's get to dealers they will be snapped up quickly. If you see a really nice one but then go on to check out the others, likely when you come back for the "really nice one" it will have been sold ::teary_eyes::
kj
User avatar
FarSide
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 393
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2016 8:13 pm
Location: Central Valley of CA

Re: GEC # 97

Post by FarSide »

GEC-ILLUSTRATED.jpg
This is such a nice looking knife, but just too large for what I would need to carry. Still tempted to grab one though.
-Tim
Modern Slip Joints
Posts: 559
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2018 4:15 am

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Modern Slip Joints »

kootenay joe,

There was plenty of time to pick out my stag 82 Dixie Stockmans. They were available about the first week of January and less that a week ago one dealer was still showing pictures of 33 individual knives. I took a couple of weeks selecting mine and during that time the number of Dixies that dealers were displaying pictures of dropped from about 80 to around 70. While I like large Coke bottles and other large slip joints they only appeal to a tiny percentage of knife buyers and either here or on Bladeforums it was posted that including all handle covers GEC is making over 5,000 97s. On the other hand, it appears popularity of GEC patterns decreases as the number of blades increases.
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

Wow, 5,000 is a large run that i do not associate with GEC. I guess i am out of date as i think of runs of 500 - 750 as being typical for a GEC pattern.
I really like a Swell Center Folding Hunter pattern and i think this smaller 4 3/4" size will be 'right on'. The standard size for this pattern is 5 1/4 - 5 3/8". Hence i think it will be popular, but with 5,000 they won't sell out in a 'wink'.
kj
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

Quote FS: "This is such a nice looking knife, but just too large for what I would need to carry. Still tempted to grab one though"
This pattern is one intended for use in hunting, mostly deer hunting and as such the size is 'just right' for field dressing a whitetail deer. It is also a good size to belt carry for those who do any kind of outdoor work.
But even if you don't hunt or do much outside or outdoors cutting, it i think is still worth getting because in hand you will get the 'Oh Wow !' feeling that we knifers love.
kj
Ajd3530
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 1:08 am
Location: NE TN

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Ajd3530 »

Recieved mine yesterday, it will be going back.

As stated above, this pattern was designed as a hunting knife. Well, I wouldn't get within 5 feet of a deer or bear that needed dressed with this knife. My #43 has what I would describe as an extremely light pull (especially for it's size,) and it is MUCH stronger than this #97 I recieved. I'd rate it at about a 3 1/2 pull maybe. I wouldn't feel safe using this for much more than moderate kitchen use. The spring is so weak, I nearly have to place the blade in the closed position. Absolutely no snap. They would have been much better if going without a half stop and having a stiffer spring, or better yet, made it with a liner lock.

I haven't been this disappointed with a GEC since at least the #38 Specials. Its such a shame, this #97 pattern had such promise.
User avatar
Tsar Bomba
Posts: 3622
Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:14 am
Contact:

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Tsar Bomba »

How do you screw up the pull on a single-blade jack? This is a disappointing development considering I have 2 en route.
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

I picked up a 97 Tidioute with maroon Micarta today. The pull is not stiff but it is stiff enough to keep the blade closed and to hold the fully open position when in use. This is all a spring has to do. Any stronger pull is excess, but nice if you like to hear a loud 'cluck' as it slams shut.
I'm o.k. with the pull even though i agree it is on the 'softer side', but i still does the job, and i like it.
kj.
Edit to add: blade edge shaves arm hair. It's ready for Mr. Whitetail right out of the tube !
User avatar
Greenman
Posts: 139
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:31 pm
Location: The Dark Side of the Moon

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Greenman »

Tsar Bomba wrote:How do you screw up the pull on a single-blade jack? This is a disappointing development considering I have 2 en route.
Pull strength is partially the result how much material is removed from a knife's backspring(s) during the hafting process. If the hafter exerts too much pressure on the knife or holds it against the wheel for a few seconds too long, the knife is going to have a weak backspring. Conversely, if you have the intestinal fortitude to attempt it, an overly strong backspring can be “weakened” by re-grinding the spine of the knife. Hence the differences in pull strength that sometimes occur amongst knives of the same pattern from the same batch can oftentimes be explained by the hand-hafting process used by traditional knife manufacturers such as GEC.
Josh

/|\

“Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible god and destroys a visible nature, unaware that this nature he's destroying is this god he's worshipping.”
— Hubert Reeves
JohnR
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 1989
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2015 11:43 am
Location: Maryland

Re: GEC # 97

Post by JohnR »

My ebony arrived today and man what a gorgeous knife, fit and finish is top notch.

As far as pull and snap it is just like the other I received, it is on the light side but does snap firmly into place, I did clean a lot of gunk out of the first one I received and snap improved quite a bit. I've got a couple of vintage original and they feel the same way so a light pull may be inherent to the pattern.
Attachments
IMG_0057.jpg
IMG_0058.jpg
IMG_0061.jpg
IMG_0065.jpg
User avatar
ken98k
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 3555
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2012 4:40 pm
Location: Alaska

Re: GEC # 97

Post by ken98k »

I was going to call gec today but, due to the time differences, I wasn't able to. I still feel that a knife of this type and size should have solid and positive "snap" particularly when the blade is open.
I am the NRA.
Let's go Brandon!
HighPlains
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2018 7:57 pm

Re: GEC # 97

Post by HighPlains »

ken98k wrote:I was going to call gec today but, due to the time differences, I wasn't able to. I still feel that a knife of this type and size should have solid and positive "snap" particularly when the blade is open.
I would be very curious to know what they say. I’m disappointed with the weak springs as well. On both my Autumn Gold and my American Whittler. They are otherwise great. But Case also has reasonably well polished knives with weak springs and it just doesn’t excite me. To me a strong spring adds character.

It’s especially disappointing on the Northfield blade where the added leverage of the nail nick is so unnecessary that it almost makes a mockery of the spring.

I know that the story is that GEC caught flack from some for the nail breakers on the early year 23’s but my 2012 23 is stronger than my 2007. I consider both reasonable and enjoyable. Different strokes though.

If nothing else I’ve enjoyed a lively conversation on an otherwise slow forum. All the best everyone!
User avatar
ken98k
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 3555
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2012 4:40 pm
Location: Alaska

Re: GEC # 97

Post by ken98k »

HighPlains wrote:
ken98k wrote:I was going to call gec today but, due to the time differences, I wasn't able to. I still feel that a knife of this type and size should have solid and positive "snap" particularly when the blade is open.
I would be very curious to know what they say. I’m disappointed with the weak springs as well. On both my Autumn Gold and my American Whittler. They are otherwise great. But Case also has reasonably well polished knives with weak springs and it just doesn’t excite me. To me a strong spring adds character.

It’s especially disappointing on the Northfield blade where the added leverage of the nail nick is so unnecessary that it almost makes a mockery of the spring.

I know that the story is that GEC caught flack from some for the nail breakers on the early year 23’s but my 2012 23 is stronger than my 2007. I consider both reasonable and enjoyable. Different strokes though.

If nothing else I’ve enjoyed a lively conversation on an otherwise slow forum. All the best everyone!
Just got off the phone with GEC. They said, "they were intentionally made with a very light pull due to previous complaints from collectors."
So I guess if you're looking for a "USER", buy a Case or a Rough Rider, as Great Eastern no longer produces knives for actual use, only display models for collectors.
I am the NRA.
Let's go Brandon!
HighPlains
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2018 7:57 pm

Re: GEC # 97

Post by HighPlains »

ken98k wrote: Just got off the phone with GEC. They said, "they were intentionally made with a very light pull due to previous complaints from collectors."
I do think there is a happy middle ground. For example, I would say the pulls on all of my 43s was too light and the actions to spongy. But the pulls on my 44s, a later model, were inspiring but not overly tight and the actions are admirably positive and snappy.

It’s too bad to see what seems like backsliding after they nailed on the 44s.

GEC is very dynamic though and I’m still committed to the journey.

I would be curious to hear from lots of different users about what they think an ideal pull would be. Like a personal opinion as well as what would be best for all users.

As I’ve said, personally I prefer 23 and 73 type actions. But I think 44 type actions could reasonably make all parties happy. Thoughts??

Also, Ken, thanks for taking the trouble to make the phone call. What was the conversation like? We’re they receptive to feedback?
User avatar
Tsar Bomba
Posts: 3622
Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2015 5:14 am
Contact:

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Tsar Bomba »

Got my 97s. Checked out the cherrywood Tidioute last night. Toted the ebony NF today.

The snap is fine on both.

Carry on. :mrgreen:
Tony
ImageImageImageImage
Everything's better with a Barlow
User avatar
ken98k
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 3555
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2012 4:40 pm
Location: Alaska

Re: GEC # 97

Post by ken98k »

HighPlains wrote:
ken98k wrote: Just got off the phone with GEC. They said, "they were intentionally made with a very light pull due to previous complaints from collectors."
I do think there is a happy middle ground. For example, I would say the pulls on all of my 43s was too light and the actions to spongy. But the pulls on my 44s, a later model, were inspiring but not overly tight and the actions are admirably positive and snappy.

It’s too bad to see what seems like backsliding after they nailed on the 44s.

GEC is very dynamic though and I’m still committed to the journey.

I would be curious to hear from lots of different users about what they think an ideal pull would be. Like a personal opinion as well as what would be best for all users.

As I’ve said, personally I prefer 23 and 73 type actions. But I think 44 type actions could reasonably make all parties happy. Thoughts??

Also, Ken, thanks for taking the trouble to make the phone call. What was the conversation like? We’re they receptive to feedback?
The first lady I spoke with was very pleasant and when I explained what I wanted she said "I don't know but I'll find out". ::tu::
The next person was ready to fight when she got on the phone, and it was obvious right away from her tone, there would be no compromise on her part.
After she explained why GEC knives now have soft pulls, I said "So I guess that means there's nothing that can be done about it, that's just the way it is?" she said YES.
I am the NRA.
Let's go Brandon!
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

Quote Ken: " "So I guess that means there's nothing that can be done about it, that's just the way it is?" she said YES."
There are 2 ways to interpret this. Was the GEC person saying there is nothing that can be done to improve spring strength on existing #97 knives ?
Or, was she saying soft springs on this pattern will be the case even in future runs ?
I think she was giving the first meaning. But as knifers we already know this. The knife would have to be taken apart and have a stiffer spring inserted and likely need to be re-hafted (new handle pieces) to look decent. It would make more sense to do another run of knives than to take apart & re-build existing ones.
But what is more important is future knives in which something can be done to give stronger springs. The GEC person cannot predict the future. If enough people emailed or phoned GEC asking for stronger springs on future runs it likely would happen. My suggestion is to have 2 runs of springs, one being a bit wimpy and the other being on the stiff side. The knives with the stiffer springs could have the letter "S" added to serial # to denote which knives have the stiff springs. Perhaps not suitable for all patterns but it could be done for the larger knives.
kj
User avatar
Sharpnshinyknives
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5106
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2018 2:32 am
Location: Indiana
Contact:

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Sharpnshinyknives »

I missed the stag knives that Traditionalpocketknives had today. Didn’t see the email until 3 hours after it came and they were all gone. Sure hope I get another chance on one. If anyone sees these going up somewhere, please post it here. Thanks.
SSk
SSk Mark “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan
User avatar
gsmith7158
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8548
Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2015 7:25 pm
Location: Canton, Ga. 100% of the time
Contact:

Re: GEC # 97

Post by gsmith7158 »

I don't know yet what the snap is like on the stag 97 but they sure did sell out quickly at Traditional Pocket Knives.
------------------

Greg

IF YOU AIN'T BUYING OR LOOKING AT A KNIFE THEN YOU AIN'T LIVING.
Always looking to buy good quality Empire knives.

PROUD MEMBER AAPK, NRA.
Onearmbladejunkie
Posts: 805
Joined: Mon Jun 04, 2018 7:23 pm
Contact:

Re: GEC # 97

Post by Onearmbladejunkie »

I bought a GEC#97 Allegheny Sambar Stag knife today from "Traditional Pocket Knives". They received 20 and I got to cherry pick the knife that I really wanted.
s249847959340461643_p1097_i1_w160.jpg
s249847959340461643_p1097_i1_w160.jpg (22.13 KiB) Viewed 4521 times
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

Great looking Stag 97 !
kj
User avatar
gsmith7158
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8548
Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2015 7:25 pm
Location: Canton, Ga. 100% of the time
Contact:

Re: GEC # 97

Post by gsmith7158 »

Just got to fondle this one today and maybe I'm just lucky but the snap to me is in line with other hunters that I have. Case , Empire, Wostenholm, they all feel the same to me. With the larger blade you just don't need the kind of snap that you get in a stockman or or smaller jack. I am well satisfied with this classic beauty. I just hope the stag that's on the way is as good. :D
Attachments
IMG_5126 (2).JPG
------------------

Greg

IF YOU AIN'T BUYING OR LOOKING AT A KNIFE THEN YOU AIN'T LIVING.
Always looking to buy good quality Empire knives.

PROUD MEMBER AAPK, NRA.
kootenay joe
Posts: 13373
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:36 pm
Location: West Kootenays, B.C.

Re: GEC # 97

Post by kootenay joe »

Greg, i don't understand this: " With the larger blade you just don't need the kind of snap that you get in a stockman or or smaller jack."
I associate larger slipjoints with stronger springs and knives like Gent's pen knives with softer springs.
Would you mind explaining why a lesser snap on a larger knife is 'all you need' ?
thanks, note i am not disagreeing, just wanting to learn.
kj
Post Reply

Return to “Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) Collector's Forum”